1946 Art and Marie Murray purchase the building and open a new restaurant, Murray’s

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1948 Art Murray develops the Thermoplate (“a platter of a mirror-like metal alloy set in plastic,” that “eliminates the sizzleless steak”) and the Service Boy (a “unique combination service signal light and ash tray”), and markets them—and other service industry products—through his new company, Service Ideas

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1950 Live radio show, “Matinee at Murray’s,” hosted by disc jockey Sev Widman, broadcasts live over WDGY three times a week from the Murray’s dining room

1952 Menus and advertisements now tout Murray's as "Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak"

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1953 Murray’s forges connections with local sports fans by sponsoring a MN Gophers football schedule and record book

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1954 Murray’s undergoes an extensive renovation. Current signage and a large Silver Butter Knife steak is added to the facade. Inside, the dining room is done up “New Orleans style” with wrought iron fretwork and pink linens

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WE ARE MURRAY’S

In a fast-food, chain-driven, cookie-cutter world, it’s hard to find a true original. A restaurant that proudly holds its ground and doesn’t scamper after every passing trend. Since 1946, Murray’s has been that place. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail crafted from local spirits or a nationally acclaimed steak, we welcome you. Come in and discover the unique mash-up of new & true that draws people to our landmark location—and keeps them coming back for more.

Thanks to a recent makeover, the dining room at Murray’s is brighter and more modern. Some classic elements, thankfully, have not changed, including the famous Silver Butter Knife Steak, a 28-ounce strip sirloin for two, carved tableside >>

Best Steakhouses in America!

This place has been the destination for steak in the Twin Cities since 1946 and continues to dominate as one of the nation's best. >>

“We have never been disappointed at this restaurant! The service is always amazing, the food is always incredible! We've been getting the chateaubriand and it's always been
just fantastic.” - Noelle P., Yelp

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"Love, Love, Love this place. The steak is so good, it just melts in your mouth." –Jennifer S.

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“Went to Murray's for anniversary, butter knife steak, flawless. Would rate higher if I could, best steak in town hands down.” - johnnydiamond3, TripAdvisor

“Murray's is an elegant, timeless, and delicious restaurant, truly the best steakhouse in the twin cities! My experience at Murray's was amazing both with the food and service. We tried the silver butterknife and the halibut along with some sides. All to die for!!” - Emma B, Yelp.

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“Don't forget the garlic toasts. They will ruin a diet, but they are addictive. Once you have had one, it's hard to resist. Easy walk over to either Target Field and Target Center. Kitchen is open until 10:00 p.m. and late comers are always welcomed.” - t-bonetraveller, Trip Advisor

FOR MANY YEARS, COUPLES DANCED IN OUR DINING ROOM TO THE "LILTING" SOUNDS OF THE MURRAY'S ORCHESTRA.

Murray’s is a restaurant founded with love, worked with love, and carried on with love.

For generations of patrons, it has been both a haven and a stage—a place where love has been kindled, nurtured and celebrated. You have trusted us with your engagements, anniversaries and birthdays. You have shared with us your proudest successes and times of sorrow. We thank all who have contributed to this amazing legacy. We are humbled by the privilege to serve you.

The building the restaurant occupies is one of the oldest in the city, built in the 1880s.

Prior to housing Murray’s it was home to the Hankow Café, which claimed to be the “finest and largest Oriental café in the Northwest.” The Winter Garden Ballroom came next, followed by Delaney’s bar, which boasted the longest bar in Minneapolis (reportedly the entire length of the building).

A "TYPICAL" STEAK DINNER FROM THE RED FEATHER CAFE IN THE LATE 1930'S.

Murray’s was started by husband and wife team, Art & Marie Murray.

Art & Marie met and fell in love in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After they got married they traveled frequently to Minneapolis for Art’s work as a salesman. They loved the city so much that Art quit his job and they moved here. In 1933 they opened a small restaurant at Penn & Broadway in North Minneapolis and named it The Red Feather Cafe. In 1939 they moved The Red Feather downtown to the Russell Hotel on 4th St., and on August 5, 1946 the industrious couple opened a fancy new restaurant on 6th St and called it Murray’s.

OUR FOUNDERS & GRANDPARENTS, ART & MARIE MURRAY.

They quickly developed a reputation for the highest quality food and service.

Marie’s cousin, Alois Schirle, came all the way from Germany to be the restaurant’s master baker. He and Marie developed our famous garlic toast, and his recipes for pretzels and pies are still used today in our on-site bakery. In 1951 Murray’s was awarded the Silver Butter Knife Steak award by food critic Maurice Dreicer for serving an exceptional piece of meat. Thus our signature steak was born.

MURRAY'S ORIGINAL EXTERIOR FROM 1946-1954. THE "NEW" SIGN, INSTALLED IN 1954, REMAINS TO THIS DAY.

While Marie tended guests and the menu, Art was a relentless inventor.

Art was always trying to solve restaurant service issues with innovative products of his own design. He was shrewd enough to realize that other restaurants shared similar problems and might be interested in his solutions, so in 1946, he established Service Ideas, a side business to manufacture and distribute his creations.

A FEW OF ART'S INVENTIONS.

Art & Marie loved their businesses and their customers.

They were warm, spirited hosts and great supporters of downtown Minneapolis. With their own hard work and that of employees who stayed with them for decades, they thrived. Art was passionate about sports and supported the Gophers, Twins, Vikings and North Stars. Marie’s passion for food and service often took them to New Orleans for culinary inspiration and fun. Their son, Pat and his girlfriend, Joyce, would tag along, as would the legendary sports writer, Sid Hartman.

WAITRESS PRESENTS SILVER BUTTER KNIFE STEAK TO GUESTS, 1956.

Pat started as a dishwasher, and eventually took the reins.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce, in 1960 and joined his parents full-time in the business the same year. Pat shared the same love of the businesses, customers, food and sports teams as his parents. He made certain the consistency and quality of food and service were of the greatest importance. He worked tirelessly for his family, employees, guests and the city. What was good for the city of Minneapolis was good for Murray’s. He carried both businesses through the second generation successfully.

PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE MANY DINERS OVER THE YEARS. ART MURRAY IS FEATURED IN LARGE PHOTO IN FOREGROUND.

Today, a third generation of Murray’s continues the legacy.

Pat and Joyce had five children: Tim, Tina, Jill, Megan and James. Growing up, our entire lives revolved around the business, and we loved the traditions and fanfare. Each of us learned and labored in various roles and positions in the restaurant, and built relationships with generations of patrons along the way. Three of us—Tim, Jill and James—are part of the management team today.

We are proud to carry on the tradition of Murray’s and operate with the same values that our grandparents and parents passed on to us.

As your hosts, we genuinely want your experience with us to be a wonderful and memorable one. We want you to feel special, and welcomed. We are so grateful to you for choosing Murray’s—and becoming a part of this history.

In appreciation,

Tim, Jill & James Murray

JAMES, TIM & JILL MURRAY

View Our History Booklet Here.

IN THE 1960S

There was plenty of spirited, Don Draper deal-swinging in “the back room”.

Make magic. Make memories. Make deals.

For generations, people have met for meaningful meals and moments in the booths and rooms of Murray’s Steakhouse. Whether it was an anniversary fete for 20 or a fundraising feast for 50, we are proud to have hosted countless memorable convenings.

Your event andMurray's private rooms:
A perfect match!

Meet the meating spaces.

Our private dining rooms await your private gathering. Make your own history in spaces that have served as the festive setting for politicos and luminaries since 1946 … where celebs like Tony Randall and Ruth Gordon were regulars … and where Twins’ legendary owner Calvin Griffith held court for years and signed future World Series stars like Roy Smalley.

Front Room

Surrounded by quintessential Murray’s mirrors and curtains, the Front Room has its own entrance off the main dining room and can seat up to 20 with complete privacy. The room features a vintage, original painting procured by Art and Marie, ourfounders, during one of their many Mardi Gras getaways to New Orleans, plus a custom-made chandelier that once hung in the main dining room.

We provide the exemplary food, service and ambiance. As for décor, details and guest list, that’s up to you—but we’re always there to assist!

Back Room

Right next door, the Back Room also houses Murray’s legendary mirrors, curtains, and chandelier lighting—and another original painting purchased in 1952 in New Orleans by Art and Marie Murray. A private door ensures privacy for up to 26 seated guests, with myriad menu, décor, and A/V options available.

Combined Room

Our largest room is actually a combination of the other two … thanks to slide-away walls that double the space and capacity and allow you to comfortably serve up to 50 seated guests. The Combined Room provides a perfect setting (and steak!) for your special social, corporate or wedding event.

Combined Room

Our largest room is actually a combination of the other two … thanks to slide-away walls that double the space and capacity and allow you to comfortably serve up to 50 seated guests. The Combined Room provides a perfect setting (and steak!) for your special social, corporate or wedding event.

Private Dining at a Glance

Make your special event even more special with Murray’s legendary ambiance, service and cuisine.

Want a taste of the space? Join us for one of our themed wine dinners, held quarterly in our private dining rooms.

Your event, perfectly done.

We’d be delighted to show you our private dining rooms, discuss your ideas and details, and answer all your questions. Please call 612.339.0909 and ask for our Special Events Coordinator, or email wayne@murraysrestaurant.com.

>>> "Spectacular!!! This was an occasion to be remembered."– Nancy L. via Yelp